Niccolo Machiavelli

The prince must consider, as has been in part said before, how to avoid those things which will make him hated or contemptible; and as often as he shall have succeeded he will have fulfilled his part, and he need not fear any danger in other reproaches.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The prince who relies upon their words, without having otherwise provided for his security, is ruined; for friendships that are won by awards, and not by greatness and nobility of soul, although deserved, yet are not real, and cannot be depended upon in time of adversity.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The princes who have done great things are the ones who have taken little account of their promises.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The Romans recognized potential difficulties in advance and always remedied them in time. They never let problems develop just so they could escape a war, for they knew that such wars cannot be avoided, only postponed to the advantage of others.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The Swiss are well armed and enjoy great freedom.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The unarmed man is not just defenseless – he is also contemptible.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The wise prince, therefore, has always avoided these arms and turned to his own and has been willing rather to lose with them than to conquer with the others, not deeming that a real victory which is gained with the arms of others.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The wish to acquire is no doubt a natural and common sentiment, and when men attempt things within their power, they will always be praised rather than blamed. But when they persist in attempts that are beyond their power, mishaps and blame ensue.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The world has always been the same; and there is always as much good fortune as bad in it.

Niccolo Machiavelli